This is an archived news story, written on: July 24, 2008

Wall to wall sunshine was the order of the day as once again Netley Marsh threw open its doors to the great, good and plain curious. Roger Finn, BBC South Today newsreader and Tools for Self Reliance supporter, appropriately got proceedings under way by slicing through the ribbon with a pair of fine refurbished tailors’ shears.

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the warm weather and were entertained by a range of stalls, craft demonstrations and silly games.
Apart from the shears the other star turns of this years’ event were the workshop tours which ran throughout the day and made lasting impressions with a lot of people. Many were surprised to learn of the scale of the operation in the UK and the number and range of projects we support in Africa.

The relaxed atmosphere, helped along by a live jazz trio and drumming group, made over £900 and a few potential volunteers. But what of the tailors’ shears? Well, they are now safely packed in a banana box with a refurbished sewing machine and other sewing accessories awaiting departure to Tanzania, where they will soon be helping someone to earn a living.